Down and Feather Testing Guideline
VNPOLYFIBER services provide comprehensive quality assurance for down and feather fill materials, verifying composition, cleanliness, insulation, and water repellency. The results are essential for product labeling and verifying compliance with government and buyer requirements
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Metrics |
| Content Analysis | To identify the components of the down and feather sample. The resulting component percentages are the basis for product labeling, as required by governments and buyers. | Percentages by weight of component categories, including Down Cluster, Down Fiber, Feather Fiber, and Waterfowl Feathers. |
| Species Analysis | To identify the species of the feather or down cluster (e.g., duck, goose, landfowl). This identification is a labeling requirement and is important due to the varying cost of different species. | Percentage by weight of each species identified. |
| Color | To measure the amount of white and dark material in a plumage sample9. This is crucial as dark material can be visible through the fabric and dissuade consumers. | Percentages of white, dark, and borderline material, based on weight. |
| Average Feather Length | To measure and categorize individual feather lengths. Specifying average length is important for providing a consistent product, as different products are suited for specific feather lengths. | Average feather length, count, and percentages of count by length category. |
| Fill Power | A volumetric measurement to determine the approximate insulation value of the filling. The greater the volume, the better the material will insulate. It is a key performance metric for marketing and labeling standards. | Reported in volumetric units (in3/oz or cm3/g) or as a height measurement (mm or cm). Common values range from 300 to 900 in3/30g. |
| Compression and Recovery | To establish a benchmark for the compressibility and durability of any loose-fill materials (down or synthetics). This is useful for selecting appropriate materials for finished products. | Fill Power, Compression, and Recovery values reported in volumetric units or as height measurements (mm or cm). |
Cleanliness Tests
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Requirements |
| Oxygen | Indicates product cleanliness by measuring the organic material coating the fill. Required by governments to meet cleanliness standards. | Reported as mg of oxygen per 100 g of sample. The lower the number, the cleaner the material. (e.g., Hypoallergenic in the USA requires 4.8 or less). |
| Fat and Oil | Measures the amount of lipids in the sample. A certain amount is needed for resilience and water resistance; too much will cause offensive odor. | Reported as a percentage based on weight. The optimal range is generally 0.5% to 1.5%. |
| pH Value | An important ecological assessment indicator related to human health and safety. Neutral to slightly acidic conditions (pH < 7) are beneficial for human skin. | pH value extracted from the plumage water. Requirements vary by product type (e.g., Infant Products: pH 4–7.5). |
| Moisture | Measures the quantity of water present. High moisture content can affect odor, while low moisture can cause brittleness; it also affects weight for bulk transactions. | Reported as a percentage. The optimal range is generally 8% to 12%. |
| Microbiology (Bioburden) | Tests for the viability of harmful microorganisms, which verifies the efficacy of the washing and sterilization process. Required for some countries’ labeling programs. | Reported in CFU (Colony Forming Units) per gram for categories like Mesophilic Aerobic Bacteria and Fecal Streptococci Count. |
| Dust | Measures fine particles, simulating how the consumer views the sample. It reveals the probable source of dust (e.g., packaging, shell, or filling material). | Visual and microscopic evaluation of dust upon arrival, between the cover and shell, from the finished product, and a determination of the dust’s source. |
| Odor | Measures scent caused by volatilized chemical compounds. Crucial for sales, as odor issues are a major contributor to product returns. Prevention is achieved by maintaining high standards of cleanliness. | Reported on a 5-point rating scale (5-PASS: Almost No Odor to 1-EXTREME FAIL: Extreme or Raw Plumage Odor). |
Insulation and Water Repellency
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Metrics |
| Thermal Insulation (Hot Dry Plate) | To determine the thermal resistance of a batting or batting/fabric system. This is used for assessing cold-weather protective clothing, sleeping bags, and bedding systems. | Mean Thermal Resistance (K x m2/W) and Clo Value. |
| Thermal Insulation (Heated Manikin) | Determines the insulation value and temperature rating of full clothing ensembles. It is recommended whenever a thermal or temperature rating claim is made. | Two Temperature Ratings (at 2 MET and 4 MET activity levels) and Total Thermal Insulation (Clo). (Note: Only the 2 MET rating can be used for labeling/marketing claims). |
| Thermal Imaging | Determines the homogeneity of a product’s thermal insulation to identify heat loss areas (“cold spots”). This data allows for improvements in product design. | A thermal image with a color scale showing the temperature range and the highest temperature reading. |
| Hydrophobic Shake | Measures the water-repellency performance and successful application of a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment for down and feathers. | Ratings from 1 (completely sank) to 5 (remained above water). Total shake time in minutes. |
| Water Absorption | Indicates the amount of water absorbed by a DWR-treated down and feather sample. This is important for distinguishing water-repellent properties between different DWR treatments. | Reported as a percentage, which correlates to the amount of water absorbed compared to the original weight. |
Insulation Tests
These tests quantify the thermal performance of fill materials and finished products, critical for determining suitability in cold-weather gear and bedding.
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Metrics |
| Thermal Insulation (Hot Dry Plate) | Determines the thermal resistance of batting or a batting/fabric system. It is essential for selecting materials for cold-weather protective clothing, sleeping bags, and bedding systems. | Mean Thermal Resistance (Rcf(K X m2/W)) and Clo Value, where 1 Clo is the insulation value of typical indoor clothing. |
| Thermal Insulation (Heated Manikin) | Determines the insulation value of entire clothing ensembles. It is recommended whenever a thermal or temperature rating claim is made. | Temperature Ratings at 2 MET (e.g., walking slowly) and 4 MET (e.g., walking fast) activity levels, and Total Thermal Insulation (Clo). (Note: Only the 2 MET rating is permitted for labeling claims). |
| Thermal Insulation (Sweating Hot Plate) | Quantifies thermal resistance and evaporative resistance to determine the flow of heat and moisture. This is important for selecting materials suited for different clothing applications and environments. | Mean Thermal Resistance (Rcf(K x m2/W)), Clo Value, and Mean Evaporative Resistance (Ret(kPa x m2/W)). |
| Thermal Imaging | Determines the homogeneity of a product’s thermal insulation, effectively identifying “cold spots” where heat is lost. This data facilitates improvements in product design. | A thermal image with a color scale showing the temperature range and the highest temperature reading. |
DWR and Moisture Tests
These tests evaluate the water-repellency and moisture management characteristics of down, feathers, and loose-fill materials, particularly those treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finishes.
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Metrics |
| Hydrophobic Shake | Measures the water-repellency performance of a DWR treatment for down and feathers. It verifies the successful application of the treatment. | A 5-point rating scale (5: remained above water, 1: completely sank). Also reports the total shake time in minutes until the sample sinks. |
| Water Absorption | Indicates the amount of water absorbed by a DWR-treated down and feather sample. It is essential for distinguishing the water-repellent properties of various DWR treatments. | Reported as a percentage, correlating to the amount of water absorbed compared to the original weight. |
| Vertical Wicking of Loose Fill Materials | Measures the wicking ability and moisture management of loose fill materials for specific product applications. | Results are presented as a plot showing the height the water has wicked up the sample versus time. |
Blended Composition Analysis
These analyses are performed when down and feathers are mixed with other natural or synthetic materials. The results verify the blend composition for correct law labeling as required by governments and buyers.
| Test | Purpose (Why is it performed?) | Key Results & Metrics |
| Polyurethane Down Blend Analysis | Identifies and quantifies the amount of Polyurethane Foam relative to down, feathers, and other components within a sample. | The percentage of each component (e.g., Polyurethane Foam and Down/Feather components) based on the weight of the total material. |
| Polyester Down Blend Analysis | Identifies and quantifies the amount of polyester relative to down, feathers, and other components within a sample. | The percentage of each component (e.g., Polyester and Down/Feather components) based on the weight of the total material. |
| Cellulose Down Blend Analysis | Identifies and quantifies the amount of Cellulose-Based Fibers (such as Rayon, Lyocell, or Milkweed) relative to down, feathers, and other components. | The percentage of each component (e.g., Cellulose-Based Fibers and Down/Feather components) based on the weight of the total material |
Read more:
Natural Fill Testing Guideline
Textile Testing Services
Polyester Fiber Fills Testing Services
